The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that around 80% of American adults are dealing with some type of periodontal infection.
It’s also stated that about 90% of the people that are dealing with this issue have no clue they have the illness. “If your arm started bleeding, you’d do something about it. You’d go to the doctor. You’d want to know what’s going on. Yet so many people tell us their gums bleed every time they brush and they just don’t think anything’s wrong.” – Dr. James A. Wells
To better understand the severity of gum disease and other periodontal infections here are some important facts to know.
10 important things to know about gum disease:
- Brushing and flossing at least twice a day and scheduling regular dental checkups greatly reduces your chances of developing gum disease.
- The bacteria in your mouth, along with mucus and other oral debris beings to create plaque on your teeth. As plaque builds up, it becomes tartar, and only a professional cleaning will remove tartar.
- Early signs of gum disease are red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss. This stage is called gingivitis, and with early detection, this stage can be treated in its entirety.
- Left untreated, gingivitis can turn to periodontitis, a serious disease that is expensive to treat and affects not only teeth and gums but causes tissue and gum loss as well.
- Gum disease can cause teeth to fall out.
- Grinding or clenching teeth, tobacco use, certain medications and heredity are factors in gum disease.
- Other signs of gum disease include chronic bad breath and tooth sensitivity.
- Gum disease can show up in patients who are in their late 20s, not just to seniors.
- Not only does it effect teeth, but gum disease has also been linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and strokes, among other health issues.
- It is believed that men are more susceptible to gum disease than women.
For more information on gum disease and the service, we offer to treat it, contact our offices located in Rochester, NY and Webster, NY to schedule an appointment to speak with Dr. Blieden.
